Nude Is a Scent — Here's How to Find Your Perfect Naked Fragrance

"Nudity" is a classic hot-weather theme, especially in perfumery. During the summer months, the impulse is to reach for splashy, invigorating scents that roll right off the pulse points and leave no trace, like water. But the fragrances that really capture the essence of naked skin aren't aired out or stripped down. They're round and faceted, with a specific combination of creamy musk, sheer wood, and soft (but not sweet) vanilla notes. Many "naked" scents sit on a bed of iris, giving them the same clean and powdery appeal as cosmetics and makeup. The result is fleshy and serene, but not overtly sexy. It's a delicate balance. A few years ago, I heard a song about the empty space that exists between two people, and it inspired me to create Aqua Vitae — a bridge between fresh, spicy notes and musks. I loved the idea of creating a blank, emotionally charged canvas. To me, that's nakedness. Below, find some of my favorite "nude" scents, plus a few loved by Allure's beauty editors.